We just came across a spy video (shot by YouTube user jprothe) of BMW taping a commercial or promotional video for its 2014 i3 that shows the yet to be unveiled electric vehicle in action on Wacker Drive in Chicago. BMW has already released the basic images of the vehicle and its i8 cousin, but plans to fully reveal the cars in a few weeks at the Frankfurt Motor Show, so we were excited to see this real-life sneek peak. The i3 is constructed of a record-breaking amount of super-light carbon fiber and aluminum and is said to up the battery range of EVs to 80-100 miles, which is great news for people living just outside city centers.

BMW is equipping its i3 EV with a 170-horsepower motor it has developed itself to maintain control of the driving feel of the car. The i3 can reach 60 miles per hour in a decent 7.9 seconds and an optional fast charger could juice up the vehicle to an 80% charge in just one hour. All we know is, if BMW builds an EV, it will be one smooth-running machine. The automaker is targeting a price of $35,000 for the i3, which would make it a direct competitor for the Nissan LEAF and Chevy Volt.

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RobKrebsSeptember 8, 2011 at 4:24 pm

Bravo Laura K. Cowan for showing us this video! The i3 EV is on track to establish a new standard for the green cars of tomorrow. The record-breaking amount of lightweight plastic carbon fiber can allow drivers to rely on battery power for greater distances without sacrificing performance or safety, effectively delivering an EV solution that makes sense for a wider pool of drivers, like you and I!